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Observations on the biology of Calcarinidae (Foraminiferida)

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Abstract

The calcarinids (such asCalcarina gaudichaudii, C. defrancii, C. hispida, C. calcar andBaculogypsina sphaerulata), symbiont-bearing so-called larger foraminifera, are abundant in western Pacific shallowwater habitats. Their spiral of chambers is covered by a layer of canals (exception: the genusBaculogypsina) which connect the chamber lumina with the ambient seawater. Radially arranged canals form spines which provide a star-shaped appearance to the test. The canal system is necessary for pseudopodia formation, excretion, attachment to the substratum, protection and probably also growth and reproduction. It is the key to understanding the biology of the calcarinids. Though different in structure, the canal system serves the same biological functions as in nummulitids. This study was performed in 1987 in specimens collected in Belau, Micronesia.

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  1. Institut für Allgemeine Mikrobiologie der Universität, Am Botanischen Garten 9, Biologiezentrum, D-2300, Kiel, FRG

    R. Röttger & R. Krüger

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  1. R. Röttger
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  2. R. Krüger
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Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe

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Röttger, R., Krüger, R. Observations on the biology of Calcarinidae (Foraminiferida). Mar. Biol. 106, 419–425 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01344322

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